What is a Meet?
A Meet is a Speed Skating Competition event held seasonally across Ontario. This is where your skater gets to show spirit and competitive edge. Come one , come all, there is always an event to fit your skater. The Regional events are for beginners and casual skaters, typically targeted for 6 to 9 yrs (loosely recommended), but flexible to any beginner. Provisional events are targeted for 9+ yrs, but qualification is based on participation so building your time and abilities will promote you. Elite events are qualified by certain time standards and you must be at least 13 yrs of age. Coaches from every practice and program level will record track times, if you require a posted time for your skater to signup for any of the event levels, please reach out to our members or simply ask the coaches. Our meets for Short Track and details on both Short and Long track speed skating is expanded
Short Track Speed Skating
Short track speed skating meets are exciting competitions where skaters race around a track on an arena ice pad. Depending on the age, the track may be 100m or 111m, and skaters complete a set number of laps based on the distance of the race. With 4–8 skaters competing at a time, races are fast, strategic, and fun to watch. Results are based on placement, though every skater’s time is also recorded. Racing in Ontario is organized by Speed Skating Ontario (SSO), which sets the rules and oversees events across three circuits: Regional, Provincial, and Elite.
Regional racing is the perfect introduction to competition for young skaters (ages 4–8) and for older skaters who are new to the sport. These meets are usually short—lasting 2 to 4 hours—and are mixed gender. Skaters race in a friendly, development-focused environment that encourages learning and building confidence. While skaters are encouraged to compete within their own region, some clubs may welcome out-of-region skaters as well
The Ontario Provincial Circuit (OPC) is designed to provide fun and challenging racing opportunities that help skaters develop their racing skills while building friendships with skaters from across the province. Open to skaters ages 9 and up, this circuit introduces athletes to multi-round racing—where they advance through heats and finals—as well as to relay racing. Skaters are grouped by age and ability, ensuring fair and exciting competition for all. The OPC also plays an important role in preparing youth skaters for the Canadian Youth Short Track Championships (East) and offers racing opportunities for Competitive for Life athletes who want to continue enjoying the sport at a high level.
The Ontario Elite Circuit (OEC) is the highest level of racing within the province and is designed for skaters aiming to compete at the national level. Skaters must be at least 13 years old and achieve qualifying time standards to be invited by Speed Skating Ontario. Elite meets are two-day events that bring together the fastest skaters in Ontario for head-to-head competition. The purpose of the Elite Circuit is to provide high-performance racing opportunities that prepare athletes for National-level events such as the Canadian Junior Short Track Championships and Canada Winter Games. By racing at this level, skaters refine advanced strategies, gain valuable experience in multi-round formats and relays, and test themselves against top competitors from across the province.
Long Track Speed Skating
Long track speed skating takes place on a 400m oval, similar in shape to a running track. Most ovals in Canada are outdoors, with the closest options to Cambridge located in Ottawa (seasonal outdoor oval), Quebec City (Indoor), Lake Placid (outdoor), Milwaukee (indoor), and Calgary (indoor). Depending on the race distance, skaters complete a set number of laps around the oval.
There are two types of racing in long track:
- Mass Start – Skaters race together, with results based on placement and recorded times (similar to short track).
- Olympic Style – Skaters race in pairs, switching lanes throughout the race, with results determined solely by time.
While most skaters begin their journey in short track, long track offers a new challenge for those with experience.
CAMBRIDGE SPEED SKATING CLUB 